Intracavity balloon catheter

ABSTRACT

A device and method for minimizing exposure of soft mucosa tissues to radiation, the device including a low-volume intracavity balloon catheter having multiple expansion portions, including an isometrically expanding portion and a substantially planar anterior portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/353,338, filed Jun. 10, 2010, theentirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic andtherapeutic treatment of disease. In particular, the present inventionrelates to an intracavity balloon catheter and method of use thereof toprotect and stabilize the prostate region during staging process andradiation therapy treatment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Radiation therapy treatment of soft tissue tumors in the prostate usingradiation therapy treatment is complicated by the proximity of theprostate to radiation-sensitive tissues. Radiation therapy treatment ofthe prostate is further complicated by prostate motion.

Typically, the planning of radiation therapy for the treatment ofprostate cancer involves the patient undergoing a CT-based simulationscan of the pelvis to determine the location of the prostate gland. Inthe simulation procedure, the patient is placed on CT and/or MRIequipment that is similar to the radiation treatment equipment, exceptthat it does not generate the high energy radiation beam. The simulationequipment is positioned to simulate the conditions experienced by thepatient during delivery of the sequence of treatment beams prescribed bythe treating oncologist. Normally, during the simulation procedure, CTand/or MRI images are acquired. These CT and/or MRI images allow theoncologist to locate the position of the tumor and develop a radiationtreatment plan using a devoted radiation or proton therapy treatmentplan. This treatment plan delineates the positions of the radiationequipment components for precise delivery of the radiation to apredetermined area.

During the subsequent treatment procedure, the patient is placed in thesame position on the treatment equipment as in the simulation scans.Radiation-emitting devices are generally known and used for radiationtherapy in the treatment of patients. During treatment, a radiation beamis delivered to the patient at the precise location as delineated by thephysician during simulation. A further feature of radiation therapyinvolves portal images, which are commonly used to verify and recordtumor location.

During external beam radiation, radiation is directed to the prostate,which is near the rectal wall. Rectal bleeding following radiotherapy iscommon, on the order of 20-30%, which translates into at least 10,000men a year following treatment of prostate cancer. The cause of rectalbleeding following radiotherapy is overdosage of the rectum withradiation. The high incidence of rectal bleeding limits the total doseof radiation one can give the prostate cancer and therefore limits thepotential cure rate for radiotherapy.

A large amount of attention has been directed to reducing the amount ofrectal bleeding resulting from radiotherapy. One of the main waysphysicians limit rectal bleeding is that they decrease the totalradiation dose used to treat the patient's prostate cancer. However,this may lead to inadequate radiation treatment and a higher probabilityof local cancer recurrence. Another method physicians have used in anattempt to reduce rectal bleeding following radiotherapy is to use adaily balloon rectal catheter to immobilize the prostate. The mostcommon and oldest balloon catheter methods use a balloon that inflatesin the rectum behind the prostate. The mechanism of action is to forcethe posterior rectum away from the prostate. This mechanism of action isof very limited efficacy because the posterior rectum is rarely a causeof rectal bleeding. Of most concern for rectal bleeding is the anteriorrectum that is directly adjacent to the posterior prostate.

More recent attempts at minimizing rectal bleeding using ballooncatheters have been aimed at forcing the prostate into a fixed positionto allow the radiation beam to be more precisely directed to the targettissue. The balloon catheter apparatuses disclosed in the prior artattempt to stabilize the prostate by using large-volume balloons (e.g.100 cc or more) and, in some cases, have various protrusions thatattempt to create a seating area to receive and immobilize the prostaticbulge. Large volume balloons and balloons with bulges distort the rectalmucosa to seat or “cup” the prostate. Large volume balloons alsoincrease patient discomfort.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,095 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/028097 bothdisclose a rectal balloon apparatus having an inner balloon and an outerballoon, and an overall balloon shape that is round with a saddle-shapedbulge on the anterior surface of the balloon. The inner balloon has ananterior section that is covered with an inelastic, adhesive backedcloth material. As the device is inflated, the inner balloon forces theanterior surface of the outer balloon against the prostatic region ofthe rectum. More specifically, as the balloon is inflated toapproximately 60 cc, a saddle-shaped bulge receives the rectal prostaticbulge inferior to the ampulla of the rectum.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0221899 discloses a rectal balloonapparatus wherein the balloon element has two inflated conditions. Thefirst inflated condition, occurring when approximately 100 cc of fluidare introduced into the balloon, creates a flat surface with a seatingarea for the prostate to rest. In the second inflated position, abulbous portion protrudes from the balloon at a position adjacent to thetip of the balloon. This protrusion occurs when at least 140 cc of fluidare introduced into the balloon. The purpose of the bulbous portion isto better isolate the prostate.

The methods and balloon catheter apparatuses in the prior art have notadequately addressed the problem of rectal bleeding, as between 20-30%of men still experience rectal bleeding during radiation therapytreatments. Moreover, the use of large volume balloons and balloons withbulges that protrude into the anterior rectum to receive the prostaticbulge increase patient discomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in one of its ideal embodiments relates to anintracavity catheter, and more specifically an intrarectal ballooncatheter and method of using the catheter for immobilizing the prostateduring staging and related radiation therapy treatment. The foregoingproblems associated with the use of high-volume balloons or balloonswith bulges, namely rectal bleeding and pain, have been significantlyreduced by the use of an intracavity balloon catheter according to thepresent invention.

It has been learned that the size in cubic centimeters of the highradiation dose region directly adjacent to the prostate is an importantfactor in determining the incidence and severity of rectal bleedingcaused by radiation injury using modern treatment techniques. Theintracavity balloon catheter according to the present invention reducesthe amount of anterior rectal mucosa exposed to high radiation doses byhaving a small volume balloon made of a thin, elastic, and durablematerial with a modified anterior rectal interface that spares rectaltissue while still effectively immobilizing the prostate gland. Thedisclosed anterior rectal interface minimizes expansion in the anteriordirection, and can be modified to allow outpouching of the anteriorrectal mucosa. By not compressing the tissues of the anterior rectuminto a smooth, flat layer against the posterior prostate, the volume ofcontinuous anterior rectal mucosa adjacent to the posterior prostatethat could receive an excessive does of radiation is reduced. The use ofa smaller volume balloon of thinner and more flexible material will alsoalleviate some patient discomfort during the simulation and treatmentphases.

The intracavity balloon catheter of the present invention includes asmall-diameter, flexible catheter having a proximal catheter portion, adistal catheter portion, and a fluid passageway there between. Theintracavity balloon catheter includes a balloon disposed at the distalend of the catheter, with the balloon having an exterior surfacemoveable between a deflated condition and an inflated condition byintroduction of up to 80 cc of fluid from the catheter into the lumen.The tip of the distal portion of the catheter extends into the balloonlumen. In an alternative embodiment, the distal portion of the cathetercan be connected to the anterior surface of the lumen of the balloon torestrict rotation between the catheter and the balloon. Exemplarymechanisms of connecting the distal portion of the catheter to theinterior anterior surface of the balloon include through mechanicalconnection, chemical bonding or welding process.

The exterior surface of the balloon includes a reinforced anteriorsurface. In the inflated condition, the reinforced anterior surfaceremains substantially planar, exhibiting only a minimal degree ofcurvature in the anterior direction. The majority of the exteriorsurface of the balloon has a higher elasticity than the reinforcedanterior surface and expands isometrically away from the reinforcedanterior surface.

In the deflated position, the balloon creates a catenary shapefacilitated by the reinforced portion of the balloon. The catenary shapeallows the balloon to be folded around the catheter which facilitatesentry of the catheter and balloon device into the cavity of the patient.The balloon may be covered with radioprotective elements such as VitaminA, Vitamin E, misoprostal, amifostine, formalin solution andsulfasalazine to provide additional protection to the rectal mucosa. Theradioprotective elements may be chemically bonded to the balloon duringthe manufacturing process, or may be applied to the balloon prior toinsertion. The catheter of the intracavity balloon catheter includes apositioning ring longitudinally adjustable between the balloon and theproximal portion of the catheter to secure the catheter and preventlongitudinal movement after insertion into the cavity of the patient andto assist in recreating exact balloon position on different treatmentdays.

The reinforced anterior surface of the balloon can include a supportsurface to provide support to the posterior prostate. The supportsurface can include a plurality of support elements such as longitudinalridges, obround knobs or hemispherically-shaped elements elevatedrelative to the support surface. The support elements can be spacedapart to allow the anterior rectal mucosa to outpouch between theelements, thereby reducing the amount of pressure on and compression ofthe anterior rectal mucosa at the anterior surface of the balloon. Theoutpouching thus prevents the anterior rectal mucosa from forming asmooth, flat layer against the posterior prostate thereby reducing thecontiguous volume of anterior rectal mucosa exposed to high levels ofradiation during radiation treatment.

Prior to use of the intracavity balloon catheter, the patient can beprepared for insertion of the device into the rectum. The intracavityballoon catheter is removed from the packaging, folded around thecatheter and lubricant added to reduce the trauma of insertion. Thecatheter is inserted to a pre-determined depth and in a manner so thereinforced anterior surface of the balloon is adjacent to the posteriorprostate. The balloon is then inflated using an inflating deviceconnected to the catheter until a volume of up to 80 cc is achieved. Theintracavity balloon catheter can then be secured against the externalsphincter of the patient to prevent longitudinal movement by using apositioning ring longitudinally adjustable between the balloon and theproximal portion of the catheter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the intracavity balloon catheter ofthe present invention in an inflated condition.

FIG. 2 shows the front view of the balloon in a deflated positionpartially collapsed around the catheter of the balloon.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the intracavity balloon catheter in theinflated condition with the anterior reinforced surface having a supportarea.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the intracavity balloon catheter in theinflated condition with the anterior reinforced surface having a supportarea having a plurality of longitudinal ridges elevated relative to thesupport area.

Similarly, FIG. 5 shows a top view of the intracavity balloon catheterin the inflated condition with the anterior reinforced surface having asupport area having a plurality of obround knobs elevated relative tothe support area.

Similarly, FIG. 6 shows a top view of the intracavity balloon catheterin the inflated condition with the anterior surface having a supportarea having a plurality of hemispherically-shaped elements elevatedrelative to the support area.

FIG. 7 shows the method of using the intracavity balloon catheter, inthe inflated condition, for immobilizing the prostate during stagingprocess and radiation therapy treatment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describeand illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention solely for thepurpose of enabling one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to makeand use the invention. As such, the detailed description andillustration of these embodiments are purely exemplary in nature and arein no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, or itsprotection, in any manner. It should also be understood that thedrawings are not to scale and in certain instances details have beenomitted, which are not necessary for an understanding of the presentinvention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly.

Referring first to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present inventionincludes an intracavity balloon catheter 10 with a flexible catheter 14having a distal end 13, a proximal end 15, and a fluid passageway therebetween. The catheter 14 has a balloon 12 disposed at the distal end 13and welded to the catheter 14 at weld area 32. The distal tip of thecatheter 44 extends into the lumen of the balloon 12 and has a hole 40which allows fluid to pass into the lumen and move the balloon 12 fromits deflated condition to its inflated condition.

The balloon 12 is made of a thin, elastic material such as PVC,polyurethane or a similar material. The balloon has an anterior surface16 and a bottom portion 24. The anterior surface 16 is reinforced withsilicone or another semi-flexible material. The reinforced nature of theanterior surface 16 gives it less elasticity than the bottom portion 24.When the balloon 12 inflates, the reinforced anterior surface 16 remainssubstantially planar with minimal curvature in the anterior direction.During inflation, the bottom portion 24 expands isometrically andprimarily in the posterior direction to provide intracavity stabilitywithout forcing the reinforced anterior surface 16 into the anteriortissue of the cavity, thereby reducing the pressure on and compressionof the anterior tissue.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the balloon 12 in its inflated condition withthe reinforced anterior surface 16 having a support area 30. FIG. 4shows a top view of the balloon 12 with the support area 30 having aplurality of longitudinal ridges 36 elevated relative to the supportarea 30. Similarly, FIG. 5 shows a top view of the balloon 12 with thesupport area 30 having a plurality of obround-shaped knobs 38 elevatedrelative to the support area 30. FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment ofthe support area 30 having a plurality of hemispherically-shaped supportelements 42 elevated relative to the support area 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the catheter 14 has a valve assembly 20 affixed toit opposite the balloon 12. The valve cock 22 of the assembly 20 allowsfluids to selectively pass through the shaft 14 into the balloon 12using an inflating device, such as a syringe 28, connected to the port26 of the catheter 14. The catheter 14 has numerical markings 30 whichindicate the distance that the balloon 12 has been inserted into thecavity. The catheter 14 includes a positioning ring 18 made ofsemi-rigid material that is longitudinally adjustable between theballoon 12 and the proximal end of the catheter 15 and can be securedwith a latch 19.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the distal end of the intracavity ballooncatheter 10 in which the balloon 12 is in the deflated condition. Thereinforced anterior surface 16 causes the balloon 12 in its deflatedstate to form a catenary shape and partially collapse around catheter14. The reinforced anterior surface 16 collapses around the tip of thecatheter 44 which prevents the tip 44 from protruding from the balloon12 during the insertion of the balloon catheter 10 into the cavity.

FIG. 7 shows a method of using the intracavity balloon catheter 10. FIG.7 shows the intracavity balloon catheter 10 in the anal cavity with theballoon 12 in the inflated position. The desired depth is attainedthrough use of the numerical markings 30 on the catheter 14. Theexternal positioning ring 18 is placed against the external sphincterand secured with the latch 19 to prevent migration of the device 10superiorly during use. The planar anterior surface 16 rests against theanterior rectal mucosa and the more elastic bottom portion 24 of theballoon 12 is expanded isometrically.

The balloon can be coated with radioprotective materials to providefurther protection to the rectal mucosa against the negative effects ofradiation therapy. Exemplary radioprotective elements include Vitamin A,Vitamin E, misoprostal, amifostine, formalin solution and sulfasalazine.The radioprotective material can be chemically bonded to the balloonduring the manufacturing process or it can be applied to the balloonprior to insertion.

Alternatively, the balloon can have both a reinforced anterior surfaceand reinforced posterior surface with less elasticity than the lateralsurfaces of the balloon. During inflation, expansion would occur in thelateral directions and both the reinforced anterior surface and thereinforced posterior surface would remain substantially planar, therebyreducing compression of the rectal mucosa in both the anterior andposterior directions. The distal portion of the catheter can beconnected to the anterior surface of the lumen of the balloon torestrict rotation between the catheter and the balloon. Exemplarymechanisms of connecting the distal portion of the catheter to theinterior anterior surface of the balloon include through mechanicalconnection, chemical bonding or welding process.

What is claimed is:
 1. An intracavity balloon catheter, comprising: aflexible catheter having a proximal catheter portion, a distal catheterportion having a distal tip, and a fluid passageway between the distaltip and the proximal catheter portion; and a balloon disposed at thedistal end of the catheter, the balloon comprising a balloon lumen, thetip of the flexible catheter extending into the balloon lumen, anexterior balloon surface moveable between a deflated condition and aninflated condition by introduction of up to 80 cc of fluid into thelumen, and a reinforced anterior balloon portion forming a substantiallyplanar surface in the inflated condition, and an isometrically expandingposterior balloon portion having a higher elasticity than the reinforcedanterior balloon portion, the posterior balloon portion comprising themajority of the exterior balloon surface, wherein the balloon isconfigured to expand primarily in a posterior direction, and wherein theballoon has an outer diameter expandable in the inflated condition. 2.The intracavity balloon catheter according to claim 1, wherein theballoon in its closed position forms a catenary insertion portion alongthe distal end of the catheter.
 3. The intracavity balloon catheteraccording to claim 2, wherein the catheter further comprises apositioning ring longitudinally adjustable between the balloon and theproximal portion of the catheter.
 4. The intracavity balloon catheteraccording to claim 3, wherein the reinforced anterior portion of theballoon further comprises a support surface.
 5. The intracavity ballooncatheter according to claim 4, wherein the support surface comprises aplurality of longitudinal ridges elevated relative to the supportsurface.
 6. The intracavity balloon catheter according to claim 4,wherein the support surface comprises a plurality of obround knobs orsupports elevated relative to the support surface.
 7. The intracavityballoon catheter according to claim 4, wherein the support surfacecomprises a plurality of hemispherically-shaped supports elevatedrelative to the support surface.
 8. The intracavity balloon catheteraccording to claim 2, further comprising radioprotective materialselected from a group consisting of Vitamin E, Vitamin A, misoprostal,amifostine, formalin solution, or sulfasalazine chemically bonded to theballoon during the manufacturing process.
 9. The intracavity ballooncatheter according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforced posteriorportion forming a substantially planar surface in the expanded position.10. The intracavity balloon catheter according to claim 1, wherein thedistal portion of the catheter is connected to an anterior surface ofthe balloon.
 11. The intracavity balloon catheter according to claim 1,further comprising a plurality of hemispherically-shaped supportsprovided on a surface of the anterior balloon portion.
 12. Theintracavity balloon catheter according to claim 1, wherein the lumen isexpandable in the inflated condition between a substantially circularcross section and a substantially non-circular cross section.
 13. Amethod of localizing the prostate in the rectum of a patient duringstaging and providing of radiation treatment comprising the steps of:(a) providing an intracavity balloon catheter comprising a flexiblecatheter having a proximal catheter portion, a distal catheter portionhaving a distal tip, and a fluid passageway between the distal tip andthe proximal catheter portion; a balloon disposed at the distal end ofthe catheter, the balloon comprising a balloon lumen, the tip of theflexible catheter extending into the balloon lumen, an exterior balloonsurface moveable between a deflated condition and an inflated conditionby introduction of up to 80 cc of fluid into the lumen, and a reinforcedanterior balloon portion forming a substantially planar surface in theinflated position, and an isometrically expanding posterior balloonportion having a higher elasticity than the reinforced anterior balloonportion, the posterior balloon portion comprising the majority of theexterior balloon surface, wherein the balloon is configured to expandprimarily in a posterior direction; (b) coiling the balloon in itsdeflated position around the catheter of the intracavity balloon deviceprior to insertion; (c) lubricating the distal catheter portion of theintracavity balloon catheter; (d) inserting the distal catheter portionof the intracavity balloon catheter to a pre-determined position intothe rectum of the patient while the balloon is in the deflated conditionwherein the reinforced anterior surface is adjacent to the posteriorprostate; (e) inflating the balloon of the intracavity balloon catheterinto contact with the rectum wherein the reinforced anterior balloonsurface in its expanded position contacts the anterior rectal mucosa ofthe rectum and the isometrically expanding posterior balloon portionexpands in the lateral and posterior directions within the cavity; (f)inflating the balloon of the intracavity balloon catheter to theinflated condition having a volume of up to 80 cc, wherein an outerdiameter of the balloon is expandable in the inflated condition.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising the step of: securing theintracavity balloon device against the external sphincter of the rectumof the patient using a positioning ring longitudinally adjustablebetween the balloon and the proximal portion of the catheter.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising the step of: coating the balloonwith a radioprotective material selected from a group consisting ofVitamin E, Vitamin A, misoprostal, amifostine, formalin solution, orsulfasalazine prior to insertion into the cavity.
 16. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the balloon lumen is expandable in the inflatedcondition between a substantially circular cross section and asubstantially non-circular cross section.
 17. A rectal balloon devicefor use in connection with radiation therapy of the prostate of apatient, comprising: a flexible catheter having a proximal catheterportion and a distal catheter portion, and a fluid passagewaytherethrough; a balloon disposed at the distal end of the catheter, theballoon comprising: a lumen with a maximum fluid capacity of between 40cc and 80 cc, the tip of the flexible catheter extending into the lumen;an exterior surface moveable between a deflated condition and aninflated condition by introduction of fluid into the lumen; a reinforcedanterior portion forming a substantially planar surface in the expandedposition and an isometrically expanding portion having a higherelasticity than the reinforced portion and comprising the majority ofthe exterior surface; a plurality of hemispherically-shaped supportsprovided on the exterior surface of the reinforced anterior portion; aclosed position forming a catenary insertion portion along the distalend of the catheter; and radioprotective material selected from a groupconsisting of Vitamin E, Vitamin A, misoprostal, amifostine, formalinsolution or sulfasalazine; wherein as said balloon is filled with fluid,isometrically expanding portion expands primarily in the posteriordirection thereby minimizing expansion in the reinforced anteriorportion and expanding an outer diameter of the balloon; wherein thecatheter further comprises a positioning ring longitudinally adjustablebetween the balloon and the proximal portion of the catheter.
 18. Therectal balloon device according to claim 17, further comprising a meansof supporting the prostate, the means being located on the anteriorportion of the balloon.
 19. The rectal balloon device according to claim17, wherein the lumen is expandable in the inflated condition between asubstantially circular cross section and a substantially non-circularcross section.